Q. I've heard about the IAM Skill for Life Programme, what is it?
A. The Skill for Life scheme applies to both car drivers and motorcycle riders. It is available through the IAM. The scheme currently costs £139.00. On paying this ( in two instalments if you wish ) you can join a local group. The fee you have paid will entitle you to as much guidance as you need to prepare for the Advanced Test for however long you remain a member. Learning materials and your Advanced test fee are included. More information is available at http://www.iam.org.uk/
Q. What are the benefits of completing the Programme and passing the Advanced Test ?
A. There are many... Apart from becoming a safer and more skillfull rider, you are likely to save substantially on Insurance premiums, the younger you are the more you are likely to save. This may assist in you progressing to a more spirited machine at an earlier stage.
On the road, your new levels of skill will keep you safer and enable you to reduce your legal point to point elapsed journey times.
SAM also guide their members towards selected external schemes and programmes which provide the opportunity to progress your skills even further.
It is also likely that you will acquire additional friends who possess a high level of riding skill. Opportunities for riding out with these and other members of SAM will provide you with much enjoyment. Smaller groups within our membership also informally arrange or take part in various trips and tours both within the UK and Europe.
SAM operates very much like a motor cycle club. Fifty or more members typically congregate most Saturday mornings at Meadowhall Retail Park at around 9 am before riding off in small groups to an agreed destination for breakfast and thereafter evidence vary enormously from Sports, to Touring or Adventure related examples. machines varies.
In time you may also wish to take a more pro – active part in our activities by upgrading to ‘Observer’ status so as to assist others to achieve their ‘Green Badge’
Q I passed my motorcycle test 3 weeks ago, can I join the IAM now?
A Yes, you can join the IAM but to take part in the Skill for Life program with a local group you will have to wait until you have been riding for 3 months.
Q I am 18 years old, I have a full motorcycle licence (restricted) having passed my test 6 months ago. I would like to start advanced guidance, am I eligible?
A Yes even though you are riding on a restricted licence, providing the motorcycle you ride has an engine size of 125cc or more and it can maintain reach the UK motorway and when ready, take the Advanced Test.
Q. How do I join a local group?
A. In the case of Sheffield and District Advanced Motorcyclists you can make direct contact with the membership secretary at membership@sheffieldiambike.com
Also the IAM website http://www.iam.org.uk/ provides lists of local groups for both cars and motorcycles. There are contact details for the membership secretaries concerned.
Q. I have been told that the IAM are a 'pipe and slippers' brigade, and they ride by the book, I am only 21, will I fit in?
A. It is true that the majority of IAM members are over forty but increasingly a greater number of younger people are joining. Advanced riding is about riding safer and making safe but impressive progress in a variety of traffic conditions and situations. The guidance is based on the Police Riders/Driving Manual 'Roadcraft' that British Police forces and many other emergency services use.
Q. I want to get my partner a Skill for Life as a gift, they ride a motor scooter are they eligible?
A. Every person who wishes to join Skill for Life must hold a full licence for the class of vehicle they intend to drive. In the case of Motorcycles, the machine must have an engine capacity of at least 125cc (to comply with UK motorway regulations) and must of a Motor Scooter the same rules apply, however for Scooters under 125 cc’s a special scheme called ‘Road Rider Plus’ is available. Full details are on the IAM website
Q. I have 6 points on my licence following a speeding offence, can I still join Skill for Life?
A. Yes, providing that your licence is current and you are not disqualified from holding the licence, you can join the IAM Skill for Life.
Q. How long will it take to prepare for the test
A. This does vary enormously, some people require very little additional preparation whilst others may learn at a slower pace due to time constraints or a short term lack of experience. Also not everyone likes to learn in the same way. Our Observers have seen every kind of rider you can imagine and are experienced in finding the method that is best suited to each individual. You might think that for one reason or another you are an exception... strangely, we have found that most people are... so fear not..! The intention is that you enjoy the process enormously as you progress towards your test.
Q. Finally, we have a question for you... When can we welcome you to the fold..?